Organic Liaison Health Director Deborah Klein, M.S., R.D. answers your health and nutrition-related questions! Need her expert advice? Visit our Member Support page!
If you didn’t already know, a superfood contains nutritional properties that can confer extra health benefits. Check out our list of 31 weight-loss superfoods that promote both health and weight loss through the nutritional powers of fiber and protein.
Are you looking for a quick way to get some protein into your snack or meal? There aren’t that many protein foods in our world, and we need protein every 4 to 5 hours (ideally) to satisfy the body, support the immune system, sustain high metabolism, and nurture muscle growth from exercise.
Shelled hemp seeds are a great vegan source of protein that can be easily included in your daily meal plan—for increased appetite satisfaction and heart-healthy nutrition. Hemp seeds are protein/nutrient-dense, so a little bit goes a long way! With just 2 tablespoons of this superfood, you get a dose of essential omega-3 fatty acids (which provide anti-inflammatory benefits), 1 gram of fiber, and 11 grams of protein (equivalent to 1.5 eggs, 1.5 oz of meat, or 5 oz of Greek yogurt!). To get even more fiber, add your hemp seeds to some high fiber (5+ grams of dietary fiber) cereal and/or berries in a smoothie.
Store hemp seeds in the sealed opaque packaging in which they’re sold, and keep them in the refrigerator or freezer. (On another note: THC is NOT in hemp seeds, just the buds and leaves.)
4 Ways to Add Hemp Seeds to Your Eating Routine
1. Stir 2 Tbsp into your oatmeal or high fiber cereal (mixes better when you stir in the seeds first, then pour in the milk).
2. Add them into your smoothie for a natural source of whole food protein.
3. Add them into your spaghetti sauce for added protein in your pasta meal. (For a balanced meal, use whole wheat or quinoa pasta with spinach or other veggies.)
4. Add them to your salad dressing to get balanced protein with your meal.
[Image: from SweetOnVeg's Flickr Photostream/Creative Commons]
